All Of It Podcast Summary: Best Picture Nominee – Conclave
Host: Alison Stewart
Release Date: February 17, 2025
Guests:

• Stanley Tucci – Actor
• Edward Berger – Director

Introduction

In this episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart on WNYC, the spotlight is on Conclave, a compelling film nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. The episode delves deep into the artistry behind the film, featuring insightful conversations with Stanley Tucci, who portrays Cardinal Aldo Bellini, and Edward Berger, the film's director known for his Oscar-winning work on All Quiet on the Western Front. Together, they explore the intricate process of bringing the intense political and spiritual drama of selecting a new Pope to the silver screen.

Film Overview

Conclave presents a gripping narrative set within the Vatican, where the sudden death of the Pope plunges the Catholic Church into a fraught conclave. A diverse group of cardinals, each representing different factions and ideologies, converge to elect the next pontiff. The film masterfully intertwines themes of tradition, conservatism, progressivism, and personal conviction, all while maintaining the tension of a political thriller.

Behind the Scenes with Stanley Tucci and Edward Berger

Starting Conclave

Director Edward Berger discusses the genesis of Conclave, highlighting the meticulous effort required to bring the project to fruition. He emphasizes the importance of timing and the challenge of securing Stanley Tucci for the role:

“It became timely right now. So it's the perfect timing, actually, for both of them. ... I needed him to be in the film. And so sometimes, you know, you've scheduled your movies around fantastic people like Stanley.”
[03:16]

Source Material and Inspirations

Stanley Tucci shares his connection to the source material, Conclave by Robert Harris, and how the script resonated with him amidst contemporary political climates:

“I read Conclave about four years ago. ... a couple of years later, the script came to me, and I was more than thrilled, also more than thrilled that Edward was directing it.”
[04:09]

Character Dynamics: Bellini and Lawrence

Alison Stewart probes into the relationship between Tucci's character, Cardinal Bellini, and Ralph Fiennes' Cardinal Lawrence. Tucci elaborates on the foundation of their friendship:

“Sometimes you may have different views politically ... but morally, they are twins, I think. ... That's what brings them together.”
[05:18]

Balancing Tone and Performance

When discussing the interplay between the film’s tone and his portrayal of Bellini, Tucci underscores the importance of aligning with the director's vision:

“Your job as an actor is to fit into the story perfectly and to tell that story the way it's meant to be told or the way the director has chosen for it to be told.”
[07:09]

Exploring Themes of Self-Doubt and Trust

The conversation delves into the central themes of self-discovery and trust. Tucci reflects on Bellini's internal struggles:

“He thinks he doesn't want it because he thinks he's purer than he is. But we all do.”
[09:43]

Director Berger expands on the significance of doubt within the conclave's decision-making process:

“The next Pope, I hope someone who has doubts ... invites discussion and invites a discourse with other.”
[10:44]

Personal Reflections on Religion

Tucci offers a candid look at his relationship with the Catholic Church, shaped by his upbringing and personal beliefs:

“I was raised Catholic ... but by the age of 18, 19, I chose not to go to church any longer. I don't think that to me, I'm not a religious person, and that's my choice.”
[12:29]

Filming in Rome: Capturing Authenticity

Berger discusses the decision to film Conclave in Rome, highlighting how the city's authentic atmosphere enriched the film's narrative:

“Rome became such an important element to the shooting and to the atmosphere of the film. ... the humanity became the main driving force for the film.”
[14:31]

Contemporary Relevance and Political Intrigue

In light of recent global political shifts, Tucci connects the film's portrayal of political maneuvering within the Church to broader societal dynamics:

“We're on a sort of precipice politically in America and throughout the world... a lot of that communication because of technology is polluted, distorted and unreal.”
[15:49]

Notable Quotes

• Stanley Tucci on Friendship and Morality:
  “Sometimes you may have different views politically ... but morally, they are twins, I think.”
  [05:18]

• Edward Berger on the Role of Doubt:
  “The next Pope, I hope someone who has doubts ... invites discussion and invites a discourse with other.”
  [10:44]

• Stanley Tucci on Acting Alignment:
  “Your job as an actor is to fit into the story perfectly and to tell that story the way it's meant to be told...”
  [07:09]

• Stanley Tucci on Personal Beliefs:
  “I was raised Catholic ... I'm not a religious person, and that's my choice.”
  [12:29]

Conclusion

The episode offers a profound exploration of Conclave, highlighting its intricate portrayal of faith, power, and personal integrity. Through the perspectives of Stanley Tucci and Edward Berger, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the film's thematic depth and its resonance with contemporary issues. As Conclave continues to garner accolades, this conversation underscores its significance as a culturally impactful cinematic work.

Stay tuned to All Of It as Alison Stewart prepares to welcome Oscar-nominated actor Mikey Madison to discuss her role in another Best Picture nominee, Honora.

Episode Teaser

After an insightful discussion on Conclave, Alison Stewart previews the next segment featuring Mikey Madison, who will delve into her portrayal of a tenacious sex worker in the Best Picture nominee Honora. Listeners are encouraged to stay tuned for more engaging conversations on culture and its creators.